BURNING of an EAST INDIAMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 20, 23 January 1874, Page 2

BURNING of an E AST INDIAM AN

About one o'clock on Monday morning, 10th November, a large merchant vessel was seen running for Kingstown harbor under full sail. As she approached it was observed that sbe was on fire, and no effort was being made by the crew to shorten sail. The vessel was the Nangpore, of 1521 tons, of Liverpool, and bound for lhat port from Calcutta. Her cargo is said to be worth £40,000. The scene of ber j entrance into the harbor during the night is described as having been j terrible exciting, as all her canvas was drawing, and the wind nearly after her. As the burning ship was rushing into the midst of the crowds of weatherbound vessels in the harbor, it was evident that collision aud fire were eminent. When Dbout half a cable'e leDgth inside the east pier the burning ship let go her two anchors, and as she rapidly wore to the, strain her canvas was taken aback, and she began to draw her anchors and drift to the south-westward. Nothing could exceed the consternation amongst the wind-bound vessels, as destruction seemed to be inevitable to any craft coming in the way of the drifting vessel. The crew were so exhausted from being at the pumps night and day, and trying to keep the fire under, that they were unable to take iv canvas when she approached the harbor. She first fouled a five schooner, deeply laden, and after a fearful crash tho ill-fated vessel gave a tew heavy lurches and sank, the crew escaped by jumping into the bowsprk rigging of the Nangpore, which still continued her stern coui-3'e till sho came into collision with tlfie schooner Pilot. In a tew minutes tbis also was reduced into a mastless wreck. On the Nangpore striking the Pilot, Captain Thomas Ellis, who was in his berth, ran on deck, and was blown overboard and drowned, before assistance could reach him. The anchors of the ship still dragged, and as she rose and fell in the seaway she carried away (he moorings ot the trawler Echo. 'This little vessel when cast loose went rapidly to leeward, and in a few seconds was broken to atoms by the powerful seas. Tbe three collisions which the Nangpore experienced had the effect of checking her wild courso, I and very fortunately ehe came up to | anchors a little to the north-east of the Royal Irish Yacht Club-house. When it was known that Bbc had saltpetre on board, and tbat on explosion was dreaded, the alarm became very great. At an early hour messages were sent for the fire brigade, aud to request the presence of tbe Lord Mayor. Within half an hour after the alarm had been given at the brigade station, Captain Ingham, with two engines and a large detachment of his men, was on the jetty. He bad no means of shipping the engines 80 as to bring water to bear on the burning cargo, and prevent the flames reaching the jute and saltpetre. He also found lhat no time was to be lost, and having gone on board the Nangpore, he at once came to the conclusion that there was nothing to prevent a further and greater disaster but to scuttle the ship afc ouee, by aoy means that could be procured. The only means within reach were the two six-pounders of the cruiser Queen Victoria, which he recommended to be shotted and fired at the Nangpore so as to hit her between wind and water." His suggestion was aoted on, and the vessel was scuttled.